Cysticercosis of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Presenting as Neck Swelling – A Case Report

Abstract

Cysticercosis is an infection caused by Taenia Solium whose larval stage (cysticerci) can affect various human tissues. In this study, we present the case of a 32-year-old male who presented with a neck swelling of 2 months duration. High resolution ultrasonography of neck showed features suggestive of cysticercosis of sternocleidomastoid muscle. He was managed conservatively with oral albendazole 400 mg twice daily for 4 weeks. Review of the patient after 4 weeks showed complete resolution of the swelling and a repetitive ultrasonography did not show any evidence of cysticercosis. Although a rare entity and isolated cysticercosis of skeletal muscle should come into consideration among the differential diagnoses of head and neck swellings.